Seared Lamb Chops with Olive Jus



OLIVE COMPOUND
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, softened
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons minced lemon zest
2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
8 thick Australian loin lamb chops
Kosher salt
Coarsely ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil, or as needed
1 cup chicken stock or demi-glace
Italian parsley sprigs, for garnish

1. To prepare Olive Compound, in a mixer or food processor,whip butter with all ingredients except olives until fluffy and well combined. Mix in olives. This can be made in advance and refrigerated for 1 week,or frozen for 1 month.
2. When ready to cook the lamb, have olive compound at room temperature. Preheat oven to 475°F.
3. Salt and pepper chops liberally on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high to high heat. When very hot, add 2-3 chops, being careful not to overcrowd. Quickly sear on each side until browned but not cooked through. Transfer to a rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chops, using additional oil as needed. Reserve skillet to make sauce.
4. Roast lamb for 20 minutes, or until internal temperature is 135-140°F (medium-rare).
5. Place skillet in which lamb was browned over high heat, add chicken stock/demi-glace and boil liquid for 2-3 minutes, or until reduced to a glaze. Remove from the heat and vigorously whisk in the olive compound.
6. To serve, spoon the sauce over the lamb and garnish with parsley.
Makes 4 servings.

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